Sunderland Secures Signing Of Dutch Youth International Goalkeeper Robin Roefs From NEC Nijmegen

Add as a preferred source on Google

Sunderland have announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Robin Roefs, subject to international clearance. The 22-year-old has moved from NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands for an undisclosed fee and has signed a five-year deal with the club. This makes him the eighth addition to Sunderland's squad this summer, following Granit Xhaka's recent arrival.

Roefs had an outstanding season in the Eredivisie, featuring in 32 matches and achieving 10 clean sheets. His performances were crucial in helping NEC secure an eighth-place finish, earning them a spot in the 2025-26 Conference League. The young goalkeeper is also a Netherlands Under-21 international, having earned 10 caps and participated in this summer's European Championships where his team reached the semi-finals.

The Dutch shot-stopper is aiming to challenge Anthony Patterson, Sunderland's current number one and Championship play-off final hero. Last season, Roefs was ranked fifth for preventing goals across Europe's top six leagues, showcasing his defensive prowess.

Roefs expressed his excitement about joining Sunderland, stating: "Signing for Sunderland feels fantastic. Joining a club with such a rich history is a proud moment, and I'm eager for the challenge in the Premier League." He reflected on his first full senior campaign last season with satisfaction, particularly highlighting his statistics.

Looking ahead, Roefs is enthusiastic about contributing to Sunderland's journey and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. He could potentially make his debut against Real Betis at the Stadium of Light on Saturday if he receives international clearance in time.